Tattoo FAQ

How much does a tattoo cost?

Tattoo pricing depends on size, detail, placement, style, color, complexity, and how long the piece takes.

A small simple tattoo is very different from a detailed cover-up, sleeve, portrait, fine line piece, or large custom design. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact the shop with your idea, reference images, placement, and approximate size.

Can you give me a price over the phone?

Sometimes the shop can give a general starting point, but many tattoos need to be seen or discussed before an accurate estimate makes sense.

Cover-ups, reworks, sleeves, realism, portraits, and larger custom pieces usually require more detail before pricing can be realistic.

How long will my tattoo take?

That depends on the size, detail, placement, style, and how your skin takes the work.

Small tattoos may be completed quickly. Larger custom pieces, sleeves, portraits, realism, cover-ups, and detailed color work may require longer sessions or multiple appointments.

Your artist can give you a better idea after reviewing the design and placement.

Do larger tattoos require multiple sessions?

Many larger tattoos do.

Sleeves, large-scale pieces, detailed realism, complex color work, cover-ups, and tattoos with heavy detail often need more than one session. Breaking the work into sessions can help the artist focus on quality and give the tattoo the time it needs.

Do you do custom tattoo designs?

Yes. Custom tattoo design is a core part of what Custom Concepts Tattoos and Designs does.

You can bring a full concept, a rough idea, a reference image, or a theme. The artist will help shape the idea into a tattoo that fits the body, placement, style, and long-term result.

Can I bring reference images?

Yes. Reference images are helpful.

Bring images that show the style, mood, subject, layout, or details you like. Reference images help the artist understand your direction. They do not mean the tattoo has to be copied exactly. In many cases, the artist will use them as a starting point for a custom design.

Can you copy a tattoo I found online?

The better approach is to use the image as inspiration and create something custom.

A tattoo should fit your body, your placement, and your story. Copying another person’s tattoo exactly is usually not the best move. Bring the reference, explain what you like about it, and the artist can help build something that feels original.

What tattoo styles do you offer?

Custom Concepts Tattoos and Designs works with a wide range of tattoo styles, including:

• Custom designs
• Cover-ups
• Black and grey realism
• Fine line tattoos
• Color tattoos
• Neo-traditional tattoos
• Anime-inspired tattoos
• Lettering
• Portraits
• Floral tattoos
• Religious themes
• Animal tattoos
• Horror-inspired designs
• Sleeves and larger-scale work
• Touch-ups and reworks

The right artist depends on the style and complexity of the tattoo.

Who should I book with?

Choose the artist whose portfolio best matches the tattoo you want.

Terry Dutra is a strong fit for custom tattoo artistry, broad style range, traditional influence, and clients who want decades of experience behind the design.

Sandra Martin is a strong fit for fine line, black and grey realism, portraits, floral pieces, religious themes, animals, and horror-inspired work.

Nick Holt is a strong fit for black and grey, realism, neo-traditional, anime-inspired designs, portraits, and bold custom pieces.

Guest artists may be available for limited appearances and specific styles.

Do you do cover-up tattoos?

Yes. Custom Concepts Tattoos and Designs works with cover-ups.

Cover-ups usually require a consultation because the artist needs to see the existing tattoo, understand how dark it is, where it is placed, how old it is, and what you want instead. Not every idea will work as a cover-up, but a consultation can help you understand the real options.

Can every tattoo be covered?

Not every tattoo can be covered with every design.

The existing tattoo matters. Size, darkness, color, scarring, placement, and the design you want all affect what is possible. Sometimes the best cover-up needs to be larger, darker, or more detailed than the original tattoo.

The artist will be honest about what can work.

Do you rework old tattoos?

Yes. Older tattoos can often be refreshed, reworked, or improved.

A rework may involve strengthening lines, improving contrast, adding background, refreshing color, or building a stronger design around what is already there. The artist will need to see the tattoo before recommending the best path.

Do you do touch-ups?

Yes. Tattoo touch-ups are available after artist review.

Some touch-ups are simple. Others may be closer to a rework, especially if the tattoo is older, faded, poorly applied, or done elsewhere. Bring in the tattoo or send a clear photo so the artist can review it.

Is Custom Concepts a good shop for a first tattoo?

Yes. First-timers are welcome.

A good first tattoo experience starts with clear communication. The artists can help you understand design size, placement, detail, timing, and what to expect before the tattoo starts.

You do not need to know every tattoo term before coming in. You just need to bring your idea and your questions.

What should I do before my tattoo appointment?

Before your appointment:

• Eat a good meal
• Drink water
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Bring valid photo ID
• Bring reference images if you have them
• Avoid coming in rushed
• Make sure the tattoo area is easy for the artist to access

For larger sessions, ask your artist what else they recommend before appointment day.

What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?

Wear clothing that gives the artist access to the tattoo area while keeping you comfortable.

For example, shorts may help with leg tattoos. A tank top may help with upper arm or shoulder tattoos. Loose clothing is usually better than tight clothing, especially after the tattoo is finished.

Do I need ID?

Yes. Bring valid government-issued photo ID.

Tattoo shops need to verify identity and age before tattooing. If you have questions about age requirements, documentation, or what is needed before coming in, call the shop first.

Can I bring someone with me?

That depends on space, schedule, and the appointment type.

For shorter tattoos, bringing one person may be fine if the shop allows it that day. For longer sessions, limited space, or focused custom work, it may be better to come alone. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Where should I place my tattoo?

Placement depends on the design, size, visibility, pain tolerance, detail level, and how the tattoo should move with the body.

Some designs need more room. Some areas hold certain details better than others. A good artist will help you think through placement before starting.

Do fine line tattoos age differently?

Fine line tattoos can look beautiful, but they need enough room and the right design choices to age well.

Very tiny details can soften over time. The artist may recommend adjusting size, spacing, or placement so the tattoo has a better chance of staying readable as it settles into the skin.

Should I go bigger than I planned?

Sometimes, yes.

If a design has detail, lettering, realism, small symbols, or fine line elements, going slightly larger can help the tattoo breathe. Bigger does not always mean huge. It often means giving the design enough space to look clean over time.

Can you help me choose placement?

Yes. Placement is part of the design conversation.

The artist can help you understand what works visually, what fits the body, and what may need to change so the tattoo sits correctly.

How do I take care of a new tattoo?

Follow the aftercare instructions given by your artist.

Tattoo aftercare may vary depending on the tattoo, placement, skin, bandage type, and artist preference. Before you leave, make sure you understand how to clean the tattoo, what to avoid, and when to check back with the shop if you have questions.

Can I swim after getting a tattoo?

Do not plan to swim immediately after getting a tattoo.

This matters in Miramar Beach, Destin, and the Emerald Coast because many clients are visiting for the beach. Ask your artist about timing before swimming, soaking, or going into pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the Gulf.

Can I go in the sun after a tattoo?

Fresh tattoos need to be protected while they heal.

Direct sun exposure can affect a new tattoo. Ask your artist how to protect the tattoo during healing, especially if you are visiting the beach or spending time outside.

What should I do if I have a concern while my tattoo is healing?

Contact the shop with your question and follow the aftercare instructions your artist gave you.

If you have a serious medical concern, contact a licensed medical professional. The shop can help answer tattoo care questions, but medical concerns should be handled by a medical provider.

Where is Custom Concepts Tattoos and Designs located?

Custom Concepts Tattoos and Designs is located at:

11394 US-98 Unit I

Miramar Beach, FL 32550

The shop serves clients from Miramar Beach, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, Crestview, Pensacola, Panama City, Walton County, and the Emerald Coast.

Do you serve clients from Destin?

Yes. Custom Concepts Tattoos and Designs regularly serves clients from Destin and the surrounding Emerald Coast area.

The shop is located nearby in Miramar Beach, making it easy for Destin locals and visitors to stop in, call ahead, or schedule custom tattoo work.

Do you serve clients from Ft. Walton Beach, Crestview, Pensacola, and Panama City?

Yes. Clients travel from across the region for Custom Concepts Tattoos and Designs.

If you are coming from outside Miramar Beach, call ahead before making the drive so the shop can help you with availability, artist fit, and next steps.

What is the best way to start?

Start with a call, a message, or a visit to the shop.

Bring your idea, reference images, placement, approximate size, and any questions you have. The team will help you figure out whether your next step is a walk-in, consultation, or appointment with a specific artist.